Totem Pole

Series: American Indian Series

Duration: 968

Year Published: 1963

Creator: Univ Of Calif Ext Media Center

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Sound: sound

Credits: Direction, Photography, Editing, Producer William R. Heick; Script: Samuel A. Barrett, William R. Heick, C. Cameron Macauley; Narrator: Anthony Ostroff; Production Supervisor: Clyde B. Smith; Research Consultant: Wilson Duff; Art, Animation Alan Atkins.

Description: The Indian tribes of the Northwest Pacific Coast had complex social systems and distinctive arts and mythologies. One of their most remarkable achievements was a bizarre, highly sophisticated wood carving art that found its highest expression in the great carved cedar column, the totem pole. The film presents the unique development of the seven types of totem poles and house posts, discussing each in terms of mythology, construction, and use.

Complete Record: Describes the development of the seven types of totem poles and house posts. Discusses each in terms of a social system and mythology that stresses kinship, rank and ostentatious display of wealth. Shows the ancient method of felling a large cedar tree and erecting a pole. Mungo Martin, a famous carver and chief of the Kwakiutl, carves a totem pole. Produced by Clyde B. Smith for UCEMC.

Metadata Source:Representative University Produced Films 1964-1967 (Journal of the University Film Producers Association, Vol.19 No.3/4, 1967)